Ungulate interactions and response to human recreation in southwest Montana

Based in the Ruby Range Wilderness Study Area (WSA) of southwest Montana, my master's research is designed to look at two important ecological questions using both camera trap and GPS collar data. First, we are looking at the interactions of three ungulate game species (elk, moose, and mule deer) and how those interactions may affect behaviors such as movement and resource selection. Additionally, we are looking at the varying effects of those interactions based on geospatial differences such as amount of forest cover, elevation, and resource availability. Second, we are looking at the impact of human activity on elk behavior. Human recreation activities may negatively impact elk behavior, but those impacts might differ depending on land cover type, elevation, and amount of forested area.